Like all audio manufactures, M-Audio (part of inMusic Brands) is also updating its range of recording audio interfaces to reflect the market transition to the USB Type-C connector. In this case, starting with the entry-level range, while still maintaining standard USB 2.0 audio specifications, but providing a high-speed connection for low round trip latency (2.59ms), so users can monitor in real time, even when recording at maximum resolution, 24-bit/192kHz.
The new M-Audio Air Series boats an elegant pro-grade metal chassis with a large central volume knob in a desktop design, with comprehensive and versatile inputs and outputs as one of its main distinctive features. All models in the AIR Series feature M-Audio’s exclusive Crystal low-noise pre-amps and updated A/D converters to deliver the highest audio performance in its class.
Pro Tools is the industry standard for recording software, and M-Audio has teamed up with Avid to craft a version of this terrific collection specifically tailored to their hardware. Ableton Live Lite is one of the most popular performance and production programs available in the world. A powerful music creation tool, Ableton Live Lite enables musicians and producers to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise and edit musical ideas in a fluid audio/MIDI environment.
M-Audio also includes an entire Effects Plugin, Virtual Instruments and Loop package to cater to every user’s production needs. Whether they need a guitar tone, reverb, or delay, The AIR Series has all the effects needs covered with Eleven Lite, 20 effect plugins and AIR’s Creative FX Collection Plus. With the included AIR Virtual Instrument plugins, there is a virtual drummer, drum machine, synth, strings, percussion, organ and piano plugins to add world-class-sounding instruments to any production.
The overall combination of professional audio performance, easy-to-use features, and the extensive included software bundle that provides everything needed to start recording now makes the M-Audio AIR Series interfaces a great choice for the intended market.
There are five models in the Air Series family. The new series opens with The AIR | Hub USB Monitoring Interface with Built-In 3-Port Hub ($69.00 U.S. retail) - a really nice and compact unit, ideal for portable recording. Follows the AIR 192|4 2-In/2-Out 24-bit/192kHz USB Audio Interface ($119.00), which is also include as part of the Vocal Studio Pro package that includes the M-Audio Nova Black condenser microphone and the M-Audio HDH40 monitoring headphones ($199.00). These are the most simple and basic options.
The series expands from here with more recording channels/preamps, with the AIR 192|6 offering a 2-In/2-Out option for ($149.00), followed by the AIR 192|8 4-In/4-Out ($199.00) and the AIR 192|14 8-In/4-Out ($299.00). According to M-Audio, all AIR Series interfaces will be available in the 4th quarter 2019.
“Whatever your recording needs, the new M-Track AIR Series Interfaces provide the tools to realize it,” says Walter Skorupski, Product Manager for M-Audio. “Studio-grade capture, our ultra-transparent Crystal preamps and an unmatched software suite deliver an all-in-one recording solution of unprecedented value. For singer-songwriters and producers, the M-Track AIR Series has been engineered to maximize the user’s creative potential.”
www.m-audio.com
